Can homeopathy help in treating anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are part and parcel of every day busy life. But for some people, it is a much bigger issue and starts to interfere with one's daily routine. When anxiety takes center stage in life, even the small task seem mountainous. It becomes a psychological disorder, which requires immediate attention and help. A person suffering from anxiety may experience symptoms like muscle tension, headache, rapid breathing, shaking, change in appetite and sleeping issue. Meeting a psychologist is the best option to treat this mental disorder, but even homeopathy claims to provide some relief.
Homeopathy and anxiety
Delhi based Homeopath, Dr. Kushal Banerjee says that the type of medicine prescribed to a person suffering from anxiety varies as per the symptoms of the patient. For every symptom of anxiety, different medicines are recommended.

Here are some common treatments provided by a homeopath to treat anxiety.

Aconite
This medicine is recommended for intense and sudden anxiety and panic attack.

Argentum nitricum
This is the most common medicine prescribed to a person suffering the problem of anxiety. People scared of height and everyday things are advised to take this medicine.

Arsenicum album
People suffering from the fear of loneliness, darkness or being imperfect are provided with Arsenicum album by a homeopath.

Gelsemium
A homeopath provides Gelsemium to treat people facing anxiety due to feelings of inadequacy. People with this type of anxiety mostly feel timid and shaky.

Ignatia
Ignatia is prescribed to people suffering from anxiety from any type of grief or loss. People with this type of depression often experience mood swings and are quite sensitive.

Pulsatilla
This medicine is for people experiencing childlike anxiety. Such kind of people may need lots of reassurance and support from other people.

Stramonium
This medicine is for people suffering from night terror or nightmares. People with this type of anxiety are scared of the darkness or being alone.

What research says?
There are very few researches that support homeopathy's claim to help people suffering from anxiety. A 2012 study published in Homeopathy journal revealed that pulsatilla had some anti-anxiety effects on mice. The effect was similar to any other anti-anxiety drug.

However, the study was performed only on animals and did not reveal about its implication on human. But homeopathy cannot be used for some serious medical conditions. It can be used as a complementary medicine to other approaches. Moreover, homeopathy is not recommended for serious medical conditions. One can still try it out for mild anxiety and stress.

Dr. Banerjee says that the time taken to recover from anxiety by homeopathic medicines depends from person to person. "Some patients may completely recover within a few days of treatment whereas those suffering from severe anxiety for several years may take longer." He supported homeopathic therapy for anxiety because they do not have side effects.

The bottom line
Homeopathy is a safe option as most of the medicines used in this therapy to treat a condition are made from natural products. But one should not completely rely on it as far as severe case of anxiety is concerned.

Disclaimer: T he views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.